Bobbie Gentry Lives a Secret Life, Not Seen in Over 40 Years

Did you know that no one has heard from Bobbie Gentry in four decades and that the singer retired from the world of country music at the height of her fame? Though her status is undeniably legendary, Bobbie Gentry remains an odd figure in the country-music scene. In the early 80s, after nearly two decades of stardom in the music industry, Bobbie decided to leave it all behind. The former singer hasn't been heard from to this day, though there are said to be some former peers who keep in touch with her.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:27 - What Happened to Bobbie Gentry?
01:27 - Reba Claims There Are People Who Still Talk to Bobbie
02:26 - Some People Think Bobbie Is Living Secretly in Memphis
03:47 - Bobbie Has an Impressive Legacy in Country Music
05:06 - Bobbie Retired at the Height of Her Success
06:25 - Bobbie Gentry Was the Real Deal and Then Some
07:05 - Outro

Bobbie Gentry retired from the world of country music in 1982, when she was at the height of her success. The singer had only been a notable figure in the world of popular music for around 15 years, with her having risen to prominence in 1967. This occurred after the premiere of her debut single “Ode to Billie Jean”, which was released on Capitol Records.

Before retiring from the world of music entirety, Bobbie Gentry broke up with Capitol Records and began performing in Las Vegas. It was during these years that many believe the country-music singer did her best work. Bobbie loved working on the Las Vegas stage and found an unlikely influence in the form of Vegas legend Elvis Presley.

Bobbie exercised a good deal of artistic control when it came to her musical output, with the singer even alleging that she produced her breakout single. “Ode to Billie Jean” was certainly much different than other hit songs of the time. The song stood out to audiences thanks to its dark tone. It proved the perfect antidote to other charting songs at the time, which included the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love”.

Despite the fact that Bobbie Gentry arguably could’ve kept going in the music industry for many years to increased avail, she decided to retire in 1982 and hasn’t been heard from since. Join Facts Verse as we explore how Bobbie Gentry lives a secret life and hasn’t been seen in 40 years.

Bobbie Gentry Lives a Secret Life, Not Seen in Over 40 Years

[FactsVerse]

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[bob]

I played bass with Bobbie in the mid 70s. I can say that she was pure class. She was very kind, while being definitely in charge. A total pro. I'm very fond of Bobbie, and hope she's living a happy life.

[Riogi]

Bobbie came along, did her thing, left a lasting impression, and then went her way. I wish her all the best.

[ladypalomino]

We love you Bobbie. I still love your song, your voice. You will never be forgotten. You came in, made it big and then left like a butterfly in the wind. I hope that you are enjoying life and living great with your family and friends. You are a great woman. You are a Star that still shines.

[pattisimmons]

I have no doubt Ms. Gentry learned early and fast just how the entertainment industry destroys lives' especially young beautiful women and sadly, children as well. Smart lady though, made her money then got the heck out of Dodge before that place claimed her too.
I hope she has spent these years making her life as beautiful as possible.

[lauraautry]

I am from Mississippi and lived closed to where she grew up. I have always loved her music. Would love to hear her again. Wish her all the best. Comparing Taylor Swift to Bobbie Gentry is absolutely stupid. Taylor Swift will never be as good. Much love to Bobbie Gentry.

[afrhspook]

I hope she is still around and living and loving life!

[DasDutchman]

I hope Ms. Gentry is living large and well. Odin Bless Her!

[jodiparmley]

I was only a small child during her career so going back and listening to her songs has been a revelation. She did not shy away from tough subjects such as human trafficking, sexual grooming and abuse with minors all done with a hip clothing and choreography. What a package to bring to a audience that did not talk about these subjects in polite conversations. She got the messages out there that’s for damn sure!

[darryl]

She was one of my 1st celebrity crushes in the late 60s wonder if something happened that made her abandon the industry Hope she's 😊

[robertwaid]

Wow what a Beautiful Woman, and a Talented Performer She was.
I remember Her Very Well, & I just adored Her Music n Song's.
She came alive in the late Sixties thru the Eighties. She attained Her Stardom n Fame. Then She just slipped Away. Seems like a sensible way too want too Live One's Life.
My personal Ode too Bobbie Gentry would be Live Long And Prosper. 🖖🖖🖖🖖May God Bless You also.

[danielrdrown]

Bobbie is living in Tennesse in a multi million dollar estate near the Mississippi border. She has lived in Tennesse for a decade. The property is on a large tract of land and offers luxury and privacy. She is not reclusive but is extremely private. She became a first time mother near the age of 40 and retired to be a full time single mom. It's not complicated: her child came first. She could afford to retire on her own terms. She was one of the highest paid women of her era. In 1976 she signed a Vegas contract with The Howard Hughes Organization to headline his string of casinos 16 weeks a year for 2.5 million dollars. She was one of the very few people that had direct contact with the reclusive billionaire. He reportedly told her " You need anything you come to me first" Her Warner Brothers contract for the film adaptation of Ode to Billie Joe in 1975 gave her 10% of the net box office and 15% of all future income( television V.H.S, DVD'S). The film has generated over 60 million dollars in revenue through the decades. She made millions. Loretta Lynn took no points on the film adaptation of Coal Miners Daughter ( which was greenlighted in part by the success of Gentry's film) and made a fraction of what Bobbie Gentry did despite Coal Miners Daughter generating 3 times the revenue. in 2018, the Bobbie Gentry box set The Girl from Chickasaw Country: The Complete Capitol Masters shocked the recording industry when it quickly sold 20, 000 sets at nearly 100 dollars a piece. A grammy nomination for Best Historical Recording followed in 2019. Universal Music Group ( new stewards of Capitol Records ) have done a superb job of marketing Bobbie Gentry's recordings sense they gained access and control less then a decade ago.

[georgemitchell]

Oh my good Lord, Bobby. All your fans will surely agree that you deserve any kind of life you want. We hope that your life has been happy and trouble free. We would never want to interfere or disrupt it. Even so, this discovery leaves me feeling vacant and lost, as if alone in a thick fog at sea. May the good Lord bless and protect you. Now and forever.

[billyc]

I liked country back in the 60’s n 70’s. And Bobby was one of my favorites. She was so different from the female artist’s.

[williewyatt]

I don't know where she maybe ! But if she is still alive she's probably enjoying life to it's fullest. The two songs I remember of her was ode to Billy Joe and Mississippi Delta my two brothers and I played that 45 record until we couldn't play it anymore. So wherever Bobby Gentry I must say hello and thanks 🌹❤️✌️💃

[thisisme]

"Ode to Billy Joe, " was a fantastic hit of Bobby Gentry, wish she would have stayed in the limelight a bit longer. She was very beautiful and talented, that combo is rare. Wherever she is, I hope she's happy. 🤗

[josephjohnson]

Great Interesting Facts about Bobbie Gentry.

[denisesmith]

I believe that Bobbie Gentry is living or lived her best life and just wants/wanted her privacy to live in peace and be happy. Wherever she is, living or not she deserves that. She worked hard for it and if she wanted to be found she would be. ❤U Bobbie!

[leesashriber]

Wow!! Forty years?!? I can't imagine having no communication with loved ones. I would think it would be easy to find her with todays technology. Thank you for this upload. I knew very little about her. She sure was pretty. 😊

[dhaley]

there is some things on line about Bobbie Gentry. There is a photo of her from 2014.